Alexandria, VA — What do geology and textiles have in common? More than you might think. Since the 1980s, coastal, ocean and hydraulic engineers have been reinforcing coastlines and cleaning up contaminated water from dredge materials and other sludges and slurries with a revolutionary fabric that combines the strength of certain textiles with geoscientific know-how. So far, geotextile structures have been an integral tool in protecting our delicate coastlines; however, the relative infancy of the innovation leaves many questions unanswered about how these geotechnical marvels will interact with the natural environments they are built to protect. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — What do energy resources for the future, understanding earthquakes to improve resiliency, and educating the next generation of geoscientists all have in common? Federal policymaking informed by the geosciences. If you are passionate about the role geoscience plays in the federal legislative process, consider applying for the American Geosciences Institute’s William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship for 2012-2013. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to spend a year on Capitol Hill working in a congressional office and learning about the legislative process. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — What would it take for millions of Americans to make the switch from traditional gasoline-powered cars to natural gas vehicles (NGVs)? In what seems like a replay of a bad 1970s movie — with high oil prices, prominent energy security risks and fluctuating emissions and regulations — Americans are looking for alternatives to gasoline. EARTH magazine put NGVs to the test in the November issue. Author Castlen Kennedy buckled up for the ride of her life as she and some of her colleagues conducted a 10-day, 4,200-kilometer-long, cross-country trip in a natural gas powered SUV to gain firsthand exposure to the benefits and downfalls of natural gas vehicles. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Haboobs, giant dust storms, walloped Arizona last summer — some close to 2 kilometers high and 160 kilometers wide — knocking out electricity, creating traffic jams, and grounding airplanes. Even old-timers say they can’t remember anything quite like this year’s aerial assaults. Meanwhile, Texas is experiencing one of the most extreme droughts in recent history, with almost 90 percent of the state in the most extreme level of drought. [Read More]

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has launched an online professional development guide for workshops on NASA geoscience, technology, engineering and mathematics content. The official launch of the NASA Triad web site will be on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, but an early preview is now available. The web site (http://www.agiweb.org/education/NASA/) is a valuable resource for anyone that is planning a STEM-based workshop for teachers, and that is leveraging NASA resources. The project is expected to increase use of NASA’s STEM content in secondary classrooms nationwide. [Read More]

The American Geosciences Institute has released a new Geoscience Currents that examines the choices by geoscience students when provided up to five free memberships in geoscience societies. Data from 2009-2011 is presented showing trends in student preferences and/or influences from advisors. AGI’s Geoscience Currents provide snapshots of helpful data regarding current trends and the status of the geoscience discipline. A copy or Geoscience Currents #54 can be downloaded at http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/Currents/Currents-054-GeoConnectionRecruitmentPacket: [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — Geoscience careers encompass a diverse set of opportunities that appeal to a wide range of individuals. Geoscientists work all over the planet—in all possible work environments—in support of stewardship of the Earth. The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has created a series of educational brochures and career guides to inspire the next generation of geoscientists. These materials answer the question, “why geoscience?” and shed light on the positive job environment in this difficult economic climate. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - Does someone you know teach Earth science to students between kindergarten and eighth grade? Do they excel in their teaching through leadership and innovation, bringing new ideas and approaches to teaching about our planet? If so, they may be eligible for the Edward C. Roy Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching. Given annually, this award recognizes one classroom teacher nationwide for his or her leadership and innovation in Earth science education. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) offers free videos and other electronic resources to help students, educators, and others explore the “big ideas” of Earth science during Earth Science Week 2011 (9-15 October) and throughout the year. Big Ideas videos bring to life the “big ideas” of Earth science. These are the nine core concepts that everyone should know, including “Earth scientists use repeatable observations and testable ideas to understand and explain our planet” and “Earth is continuously changing. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The universe is repulsive, but in a good way. In 2008, while studying bursts of light emitted from exploding stars, newly named Nobel Laureates Adam Riess, Saul Perlmutter and Brian P. Schmidt discovered one of the most mysterious, yet prevalent, components of our universe: dark energy. The three were using the brightness and color from supernovae to determine the speed with which the universe expanded in the past, versus how fast it is expanding now. [Read More]